The Bodleian Library has a treasure trove of children's books, many of which come from the large collection of early and rare children's books donated by Peter and Iona Opie.
This charming and irresistible little book from the Opie Collection made its appearance in 1824 as one of several didactic but beautifully hand-coloured books published by John Harris in his
'Cabinet of Amusement and Instruction,' intended to help children learn the arts of grammar.
Cheerfully coloured engravings and a series of larger-than-life characters, including 'Mr. Stops,' 'Counsellor Comma,' and the hero 'Young Robert,' are brought to life through lively
verse:
See, how Semicolon is strutting with pride;
Into two or more parts he'll a sentence divide.
The illustrations are thoroughly entertaining while also instructive--it's easy to see how a child would have taken great pleasure in learning through this little book. This new edition,
together with a modern introduction, will delight and amuse modern readers of all ages.
